I recently had the misfortune of being subpoenaed as a witness in a civil suit. I was subjected to sitting for hours on a hard, wooden bench with no back rest. There was no possible way to get any position of comfort.
I was told at noon that I could leave until 2 p.m. I went home and took painkillers, twice as many as I usually take. When they informed me at 4 p.m. I wasn’t needed, the pain pills had worn off and I was in excruciating pain.
I noticed everyone who worked there had nice, ergonomic chairs. I find this a total insult to people who come to court to do their civic duty and, as good citizens, we are subjected to terrible conditions. I found it about as comfortable as a notch above waterboarding. There are plenty of lush trees and plants in there. Could they not have spent a little of that money on some furniture that us seniors are able to sit in? If I am subpoenaed again, I will choose jail over court, as my pain lasted for days.
I would love to hear from other elderly people who have also suffered through the pain and indignity. Maybe we can get this changed.
Robert MacDougall
Whitehorse